Mallards Win Game Seven in Rapid City, Advance to Meet Allen in CHL Semi-Finals
April 16, 2014 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Quad City Mallards News Release
RAPID CITY, S.D. (April 16, 2014) - The Quad City Mallards tonight defeated the host Rapid City Rush 3-1 in the seventh and deciding game of the opening round of the Central Hockey League President's Cup playoffs to advance to a best-of-seven CHL semi-final match-up with the Allen Americans that will begin Friday night in Allen.
After opening the second round at the Allen Event Center Friday night, the Mallards and Americans will meet in game two next Sunday afternoon in Allen. The series will shift to the Quad Cities for game three next Wednesday night, April 23 and game four next Friday evening, April 25. Both of those contests will face off at 7:05 p.m., as would a potential fifth game which, if necessary, will be played next Saturday, April 26 at the iWireless Center. Should a sixth game be required, the series would move back to Allen on Tuesday night, April 29. If the series goes the distance, the Americans would host the seventh and deciding game on Wednesday evening, April 30.
Jordan Mayer and Thomas Frazee tonight provided a goal and an assist apiece and Thomas Heemskerk made 26 saves to propel the Mallards to their first playoff series win since 2003.
Mayer gave the Mallards a 1-0 lead with a wrist shot from the right wing boards at 1:33 of the second period. Frazee broke in alone to double the advantage at 7:01 of the second. The Rush trimmed the gap to 2-1 just over two minutes later with Winston Day Chief's net-crashing power play goal.
The Malllards protected the one goal lead deep into the third period before Vladimir Nikiforov one-timed a power play goal from the slot to finish off the Rush with just 1:41 remaining.
The Mallards and Americans split four regular season meetings. The Mallards went 1-1-0 on home ice against the Americans and 1-1-0 in Allen.
Tickets for Mallards home playoff games can be purchased in person at the iWireless Center box office, online at ticketmaster.com, at Ticketmaster outlets or through Ticketmaster charge-by-phone toll free at 1-800-745-3000 . The ticket office is open weekdays from 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and on game days from 10:00 a.m. until the start of the second period.
• Discuss this story on the Central Hockey League message board...
Central Hockey League Stories from April 16, 2014
- Americans Host Quad City Friday Night as Semifinals Open in Allen - Allen Americans
- Rush Eliminated in Game 7, Fall to Mallards 3-1 - Rapid City Rush
- Mallards Win Game Seven in Rapid City, Advance to Meet Allen in CHL Semi-Finals - Quad City Mallards
- CHL Conference Finals Set; Begin on Friday - CHL
- Rush and Mallards Battle Tonight in 29th Game 7 in CHL History - CHL
- Mavericks' Season Ends in Game 6: Fall 4-3 in 2OT - Kansas City Mavericks
- Americans Open Round 2 Friday at Home - Allen Americans
- Sundogs Win Another Double Overtime Game 4-3 - Arizona Sundogs
- Rush Stave off Elimination, Force Winner-Take-All - Rapid City Rush
- Oilers Season Ends in Game 6 Overtime Heartbreaker - Tulsa Oilers
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
Other Recent Quad City Mallards Stories
- Mallards Clearance Sale this Week
- Motte, Osipov Head to AHL
- Mallards Rally to Win Finale
- Mallards Game Day
- Mallards Battle from Behind for 5-4 Shootout Victory over Wings